Geoarchaeology (AR0029)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : HCA-3-AGeoarch

The landscape is the setting for all human activities. The landforms, sediments and soils which compose the physical landscape have both influenced, and in turn have been moulded and shaped by, human actions. Archaeological sites are themselves fragments of the landscape where particular types of human activity have taken place in the past. This course sets out to explore the contribution of Geoarchaeology to our understanding of the human past through the examination of the processes affecting archaeological sites in a variety of common landscape context. Particular emphasis is placed upon the methodology of Geoarchaeology and the acquisition of technical skills of sedminent and soil description and analysis.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : Archaeology 2A and 2B

? Costs : None

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Archaeology, (School of History, Classics and Archaeology, Schedule E)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 3rd year

? Delivery Period : Not being delivered

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 10 weeks

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

A knowledge and understanding of: the origins, conceptual and theoretical basis of Geoarchaeology; the key landscape shaping (Geomorphic) processes of weathering, erosion, transport and deposition (the sediment cycle); the key earth-surface, biotic and climatic (Pedogenic) processes which lead to post-depositional modificaion of sediments and to soil formation; how the interation of both Geomorphic and Pedogenic factors ('Soil Geomorphology') control soil formation, the functioning of the soil system and determine soil type and landuse capacity; the ways in which human activities can modify sediment and soil systems and the outcomes of these changes at a variety of scales ranging from the landscape to archaeological site. Supported by the acquisition of appropriate intellectual, professional, practical and transferable skills, including, for example: a practical understanding of geoarchaeological techniques based on research experience, training in laboratory practice and an awareness of health and safety issues.